Last year ceramicist Bridget Bodenham was again a finalist in the prestigious Spirit of Youth Awards. She is based in the pretty Victorian town of Hepburn Springs where she makes ceramics that are usable and just plain beautiful. Bridget has an online shop, and exhibits internationally.
Which five words best describe you? A passionate potter: practical, polite and playful.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I was first inspired to pursue ceramics while in year eleven after visiting the V&A in London. After finishing school I completed a Diploma of Ceramics at the University of Ballarat. Upon graduation I was fortunate enough to receive an Emerging Artist Australian Council Artist Grant, which I used to setup a studio. Then, with a kiln and wheel purchased, and a nice work space established, I began making two streams of work – a functional line and a non-functional line - which I sold at Craft Victoria. Since then, 2007, I have exhibited both regionally and internationally. And of course, I continue to design and make new work.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Don’t take shortcuts and always pay attention to details.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Travelling to Japan in 2008 to exhibit at The International Ceramic Festival Mino.
What’s been your best decision? Opening my studio twice a year to the public, which has gives me the opportunity to meet, gather feedback, and take commissions directly from my customers and collectors.
Who inspires you? The Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori and the American ceramicist Ruth Duckworth.
What are you passionate about? Tea, gardening, classical music, and using handmade objects, which enriches life (at least for me).
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? The sculpture Henry Moore.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I would love to collaborate with a chef and develop a series of work which explores new ways of eating and experiencing food.
What are you reading? 43 Principles of Home by Kevin McLoud and How to Wrap Five More Eggs: Traditional Japanese Packaging.
images courtesy of bridget bodenham
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